Arts

A story of ambition, addiction, and the power of second chances

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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 17 – Journalist Keri Blakinger on her memoir “Corrections in Ink”
 
We may call it shu, or segregation, or medical observation, but whatever words we use are a shorthand for the truth: a coded way of saying you are nothing and now you have nothing. Your world is only a tangle of dreams and realities, drifting through the sterile air of nine by six coffin. ~from CORRECTIONS IN INK, by Keri Blakinger
Keri Blakinger is the author of CORRECTIONS IN INK, a memoir that details her life from being a figure skating competitor with an eating disorder, to her life as an addict. In 2010, while she was attending Cornell University, she was arrested for drug possession and spent the next two years incarcerated: first, in the Tompkins County jail, and then serving a sentence in upstate New York. After she was released, she finished her degree and went on to become a journalist.

Arts

In “Trigger Points,” learning how to stop mass shootings before they start

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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 14 – Mark Follman’s TRIGGER POINTS: INSIDE THE MISSION TO STOP MASS SHOOTINGS IN AMERICA

Mark Follman is a longtime journalist and the National Affairs Editor for Mother Jones. Since 2012, his various investigations into gun violence and its impact on American society have been honored with numerous awards. His writing and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, the Atlantic, and on National Public Radio, among other media. His book is TRIGGER POINTS: INSIDE THE MISSION TO STOP MASS SHOOTINGS IN AMERICA. Follow Mark Follman on Twitter

Arts

Author C.S.E. Cooney and the magical world of DARK BREAKERS

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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 13 – CSE Cooney and the magical world of Dark Breakers
C.S.E. Cooney writes lush, magical stories about love-struck humans, ageless gentry and diabolical goblins. Loosely inspired by the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, this collection of stories is full of fantastical worldbuilding and stories that will linger with you long past the time you put the book down. About the author: C.S.E. Cooney lives and writes in Queens. She is author of the World Fantasy Award-winning Bone Swans: Stories (Mythic Delirium, 2015), an audiobook narrator, and the singer/songwriter Brimstone Rhine. In 2022, her novel Saint Death’s Daughter debuts with Solaris, as well as her collection Dark Breakers (all stories taking place in the world of Desdemona and the Deep, published by Tor.com in 2019), forthcoming from Mythic Delirium.

Arts

Magical dictionaries, family, and the magic of a girl named Zia

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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 12 – Bree Barton and ZIA ERASES THE WORLD

Ithaca author Bree Barton talks with host Crystal Sarakas about depression, the magic of language, and how awesome young people are on this episode of Off the Page. More about ZIA ERASES THE WORLD:

Zia remembers the exact night the Shadoom arrived. One moment she was laughing with her best friends, and the next a dark room of shadows had crept into her chest. Zia has always loved words, but she can’t find a real one for the fear growing inside her. How can you defeat something if you don’t know its name?After Zia’s mom announces that her grouchy Greek yiayia is moving into their tiny apartment, the Shadoom seems here to stay.

Arts

Author and disability rights activist Elsa Sjunneson on fighting ableism

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Author and disability rights activist Elsa Sjunneson talks with host Crystal Sarakas about disability representation in the media, harmful tropes, and fighting ableism in society. As a deafblind woman with partial vision in one eye and bilateral hearing aids, Elsa Sjunneson lives at the crossroads of blindness and sight, hearing and deafness—much to the confusion of the world around her. While she cannot see well enough to operate without a guide dog or cane, she can see enough to know when someone is reacting to the visible signs of her blindness and can hear when they’re whispering behind her back. And she certainly knows how wrong our one-size-fits-all definitions of disability can be. As a media studies professor, she’s also seen the full range of blind and deaf portrayals on film, and here she deconstructs their impact, following common tropes through horror, romance, and everything in between.

Arts

Author Julie Zickefoose on life, love and raising bluejays

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Off The Page from WSKG · Episode 10 – Julie Zickefoose talks about Saving Jemima: The Life and Love of a Hard Luck Jay

 

Julie Zickefoose joins host Crystal Sarakas to talk about birds, blogs, and raising a blue jay during one of the hardest times in her life. About Saving Jemima:

When Jemima, a young orphaned blue jay, is brought to wildlife rehabilitator Julie Zickefoose, she is a virtually tailless, palm-sized bundle of gray-blue fluff. But she is starved and very sick. Julie’s constant care brings her around, and as Jemima is raised for eventual release, she takes over the house and the rest of the author’s summer. Shortly after release, Jemima turns up with a deadly disease.

Arts

‘The Weeping Time’ and the story of the largest slave auction in American history

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Off The Page from WSKG · Anne Bailey – The Weeping Time

Between 1760 and 1860, more than 1.2 million enslaved men, women and children were sold in the United States. The wealth of a nation was built on the trade of people – of slaves –  yet most of us know very little about these auctions or the people who were sold there. Professor Anne Bailey from Binghamton University is
working to change that. Her book, The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History, tells the story of a specific auction in 1859. But it also examines the trauma that still exists today, and the healing that families are finding as they trace their lineage back to the auction block.

Arts

Poet Merrill Douglas talks about her work on the latest Off the Page

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Off The Page from WSKG · Off The Page – Poet Merrill Douglas

Merrill Douglas is a freelance editor and a poet. Her poems are ‘beautifully gritty,’ and explore the realities of life in ways that are both just a little bit icky, but also capture the life in the smallest detail. Her poems have appeared in the Baltimore Review, Tar River Poetry, Stone Canoe and more. Her chapbook, published by Finishing Line Press, is called Parking Meters Into Mermaids. Merrill joins host Crystal Sarakas to talk about her writing process and to read some of her work.

Arts

Ithaca author Railey Jane Savage talks about her new book, “A Century of Swindles: Ponzi Schemes, Con Men, and Fraudsters”

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Off The Page from WSKG · A Century of Swindles: Ponzi Schemes, Con Men, and Fraudsters
 

 

 
If you’re a fan of true-crime – but perhaps without all the murderdeathkill – then you’ll love this book which takes a deep dive into 7 infamous schemes that took place between 1850 and 1950. There’s intrigue, deception, sensationalism and chutzpah that is mind-boggling. Railey Jane Savage lives and works in Ithaca, NY, where her abiding love for history’s forgotten moments – swindles, or otherwise – grows against the dramatic background of the Finger Lakes. With an English degree from Smith College, she splits her time between writing and editings. A Century of Swindles is her second book.

Arts

The joy of Christmas, as seen through brown eyes

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Off The Page from WSKG · Off the Page – I’m Dreaming Of A Brown Christmas (with Vernon Gibbs and Steve Gray)

Steven T. Gray is a visual artist, illustrator, sculptor, producer and musician born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Queens, NY.  Vernon D. Gibbs II has been a stay-at-home dad since 2015. They’re the co-authors of “I’m Dreaming of a Brown Christmas” a beautifully illustrated kids book that shares the story of Christmas traditions and family as seen through the eyes of a young black boy. “I’m Dreaming of a Brown Christmas” is the second book that Vernon and Steve have co-written.  Their first book, “When Good Fruit Goes Bad”  is about eating healthy, creating less food waste, and knowing that you have value. You can purchase “I’m Dreaming of a Brown Christmas” on Amazon, or here. Follow Vernon Gibbs on  Twitter @coolminivandad1.

Uncategorized

Diving into myth with poet Jennifer Crow

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Off The Page from WSKG · Off the Page – Jennifer Crow

Jennifer Crow has been writing poetry since she was a little girl. Her poems explore the edges of time and space, and of myth and lore. Her poetry has appeared in many print and electronic places over the past quarter of a century, including Analog Science Fiction, Uncanny Magazine, Kaleidotrope and more. Her 2020 poem “Still” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She talks with host Crystal Sarakas about writing and pushing the edges of comfort in her poetry.

Uncategorized

A story of addiction, recovery and songwriting in Mary Gauthier’s “Saved By A Song”

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Off The Page from WSKG · Off the Page – Mary Gauthier

Mary Gauthier was twelve years old when she was given her Aunt Jenny’s old guitar and taught herself to play with a Mel Bay basic guitar workbook. Music offered her a window to a world where others felt the way she did. Songs became lifelines to her, and she longed to write her own, one day. Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, Gauthier put her dream away and her call to songwriting faded. It wasn’t until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend did she realize that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to.

Uncategorized

Jurassic Park meets Dungeons and Dragons in Carrie Vaughn’s Questland

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When an eccentric billionaire loses control of his island resort-slash-theme park, literature professor Addie Cox is an unlikely choice to help fix the situation. But it’s no ordinary theme park: this is pure wizardry come to life, with unicorns, talking rabbits – and murder. The book is called Questland, a mad mashup of Jurassic Park and Dungeons and Dragons. Bestselling author Carrie Vaughn nerds out with host Crystal Sarakas about all things geek on the latest episode of Off the Page.

Off the Page

The Fur Flies In A New Series By Oneonta Author Deborah Blake

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Kari Stuart’s life was going nowhere – until she unexpectedly won the lottery. Now an instant millionaire, she’s trying to decide what to do next when an orphan cat, a failing animal rescue and a murder mystery all fall into her lap. On this episode of Off The Page, we talk with author Deborah Blake about her new cozy mystery series.

Off The Page

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A fan-favorite returns to WSKG Public Media! Hosted by award-winning producer Crystal Sarakas, “Off the Page” features conversations with writers from across the region and around the globe. Available as a podcast on iTunes, Alexa, Google, and on the WSKG and NPR One apps. On Alexa, request to play “WSKG’s Off The Page” and on Google say, “Hey Google, ask WSKG Radio to play Off The Page.”  

Listen: Free-Range Folk Episodes

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Free-Range Folk is a weekly two-hour program featuring the best in new and traditional folk, americana, indie and bluegrass. You’ll hear everything from Mumford and Sons to Dolly Parton, and hear regional favorites like Joe Crookston, Driftwood, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Milkweed and more. Free-Range Folk, Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. on WSKG Public Radio, streaming online at WSKG.ORG and available for on-demand listening online after the program!  

 

Government

NYS Launches Effort To Eliminate Hepatitis C

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New York is now home to the nation’s first strategy to eliminate hepatitis C, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo. The governor unveiled a $5-million program Friday that he said will expand access to clean syringes, increase funding for hepatitis C treatment, and remove barriers to insurance coverage for people getting that treatment.

Uncategorized

Hear Here! | Singing to Freedom: Slave Songs and the Underground Railroad

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Many of us know and love traditional spirituals like Swing Low, Sweet Chariot or Wade in the Water. But a lesser known aspect is that many of these songs served as coded messages for the Underground Railroad. We’ll explore the connection between slavery and the songs that slaves sang on their way to freedom. (Producer: Crystal Sarakas)

Classroom Resources

No Man Can Hinder Me: The Journey From Slavery to Emancipation Through Song by Velma Maia Thomas

‘Coded Spirituals’ | A full teacher resource gallery from PBS LearningMedia. Follow the Drinking Gourd | This book, song video, and Reading Rainbow episode offer kids.

Arts

A Conversation With Answer The Muse

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The Ithaca-based band Answer the Muse brings together a fusion of music, chant and yoga in their performances. The band members include Jai Hari Meyerhoff on vocals and percussion, Ceili Murphy on keyboard, whistle and back up vocals, Jonathan Meyerhoff on acoustic guitar and vocals, Curtis Kretz on drums and Joseph Rayle on bass. Jai Meyerhoff talked with Crystal Sarakas about the band and their music. Answer the Muse will perform on Saturday, October 15th at 7 p.m. at the Deposit Community Theatre in Deposit, NY.  

Arts

A Little Hocus-Pocus From The Slambovians

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The Slambovian Circus of Dreams returns Oxford this weekend. Frontman Joziah Longo talked with Crystal Sarakas about the band’s name, and what it’s like playing the same room for more than a decade. The concert takes place Saturday night at 7:30 at 6 on the Square in Oxford, NY.  

Check out their performance from a few years back at WSKG, as part of the Expressions series! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBBT-_UhzoI

Addiction

How Addiction Is Like Riding A Bike

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What happens to your brain on drugs?

Dr. Ruben Baler, health scientist with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, says it’s a learning process, and very difficult to unlearn. He spoke with WSKG’s Crystal Sarakas.

Addiction

Is Supervised Injection Right For Ithaca?

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You probably heard about the supervised injection site Ithaca proposed last winter; a place where people could inject heroin more safely. Vancouver, British Columbia has had supervised injection since 2003, although it remains a political hot potato.

Arts

Author Therese Walsh Talks About The Writing Craft (Don't Underestimate The Importance Of Coffee)

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Therese Walsh is the author of The Moon Sisters, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, and the forthcoming Author In Progress. She’s also the co-founder of WRITER UNBOXED, a website focusing on the craft and business of writing fiction. She spoke with Crystal Sarakas about writing rituals, the relationship between writers and their readers, and who inspires her.  

Photo by Rachel Burdick

 

Arts

Teaching And Learning In Apartheid South Africa: 'My Children! My Africa' On Stage In Ithaca

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MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!, Athol Fugard’s drama about teaching and learning within segregated South Africa, explores themes about race and protest that are still relevant today. Autumn 1984. The school year has already begun in a small segregated township on the Eastern cape. Anela Myalatya, known affectionately as Mr. M, prepares two pupils, Thami Mbikwana, a black boy, and Isabel Dyson, a white girl, to compete together in an academic competition.

Arts

Correspondence Between A. Burr and A. Ham On Display In Cooperstown

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Thanks to a little Broadway show, one of the most talked about founding fathers these days is Alexander Hamilton. The Fenimore Art Museum is helping encourage this interest in American history with a new exhibition, Hamilton’s Final Act, which displays the letters between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton that led to their final, fatal encounter. Chris Rossi, curator at the Fenimore, spoke with Crystal Sarakas about the exhibition. The exhibition is on display until December 31 at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY.  

Photo: John Turnbull, National Historical Archives

Arts

Preserved In Glass: The Marine Invertebrates Of Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka

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At the turn of the 20th century, Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolf, developed a successful business producing glass models of soft-bodied undersea creatures – marine invertebrates. Carefully crafted in their studio in Dresden, Germany, these models were shipped to universities and museums worldwide as study models. When Cornell University acquired its teaching collection in 1885, the Blaschka models could be purchased in North America from Ward’s Natural Science Establishment in Rochester, New York. By 1888, this father and son team offered 700 models that, according to Leopold Blaschka himself, were “universally acknowledged as being perfectly true to nature.”

Now, the exhibition Fragile Legacy presents the marine invertebrate models of Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka within the context of both marine life and glass conservation. The displayed glass objects tell the story of the history of the Blaschka family, the interest in marine life and dissemination of knowledge in 19th-century Europe, the techniques and methods of creating these beautiful glass models, and finally, the story of the objects themselves as an art form. Researchers at Cornell are using the collection as a time capsule for seeking out and documenting the creatures still living in our oceans today.

Arts

Love and Passion On The H.M.S. Pinafore

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Summer Savoyards presents “H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved A Sailor” July 15-17 at the Anderson Center at Binghamton University. Crystal Sarakas talks with Jana Kucera, who plays Josephine, and Danel Vaglica, who plays Little Buttercup. Here’s a fun look back at the 2002 Summer Savoyards production of H.M.S. Pinafore. See if you can spot the WSKG folk who were part of the cast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0-x_SiGlJA

Arts

'Tumbling Turner Sisters' Author Reads From Her Book Thursday Night In Binghamton

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Juliette Fay is the author of four novels, including the recently released novel The Tumbling Turner Sisters:
In 1919, the Turner sisters and their parents are barely scraping by. Their father is a low-paid boot-stitcher in Johnson City, New York, and the family is always one paycheck away from eviction. When their father’s hand is crushed and he can no longer work, their irrepressible mother decides that the vaudeville stage is their best—and only—chance for survival. With so much at stake, teenagers Gert, Winnie, and Kit, and recent widow Nell take to the road, and soon find a new kind of freedom in the company of performers who are as diverse as their acts. There is a seamier side to the business, however, and the young women face dangers and turns of fate they never could have anticipated.

Arts

For Your To-Read List: New Books By Fantasy Author Joshua Palmatier

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Joshua Palmatier is the author of several fantasy novels, and the co-founder of the small press Zombies Need Brains. He’s also about to have a very busy summer, with several books being released over the next couple of weeks, and another Kickstarter happening in August to fund three new anthologies from his small press. Erenthrall is a city powered by the mystical ley lines that thread through the world.  The ley is used to light the streets, heat homes, and power the transportation throughout the city and to the rest of the world beyond.  Kara is a Wielder, someone who can manipulate the ley and repair the lines when necessary.  Allan is a Dog, part of the brutal guard that keeps the ley under the strict control of the Baron and his Primes.  Both of their lives will be forever changed when a terrorist group called the Kormanley begins to attack the ley lines in an attempt to break the Baron’s stranglehold on the ley and bring them back into their natural alignment. The first book in the series is Shattering the Ley. The second book, Threading the Needle, will be released on July 5.

Arts

Enter Into Faeryland At The New York Faerie Festival

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Each year, a stretch of land just north of Windsor becomes something more than just your typical New York wilderness. The gates of faerie open up, and humans and the fey mingle for a weekend, celebrating music and art and fairy wings. The New York Faerie Festival is celebrating 8 years this weekend. Co-founder Billy Bardo spoke with Crystal Sarakas about the festival. The New York Faerie Festival opens to the world of faerie Friday through Sunday this weekend.

Arts

An Exploration Of Contemporary Aboriginal Art At Cornell

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No Boundaries: Aboriginal Australian Contemporary Abstract Painting is an exhibit showcasing the work of nine Aboriginal artists from the remote northwest region of Australia. The paintings incorporate sacred and ceremonial objects, traditional symbols and themes with a modern interpretation. The exhibit opened this week at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell. Andy Weislogel is a curator at the Johnson Museum and he joined Crystal Sarakas to talk about the exhibition. The nine artists whose work is part of the exhibition are Paddy Bedford, Janangoo Butcher Cherel, Tommy Mitchell, Ngarra, Boxer Milner Tjampitjin, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Tjumpo Tjapanangka, Billy Joongoorra Thomas, and Prince of Wales (Midpul). The exhibition is on display through August 14 at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca.

Arts

Chris Merkley Talks About Getting Back To The Basics On His New Album

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Chris Merkley has performed over a thousand shows from the streets of Paris to venues through out Europe and across the United States. He has released nine albums with a variety of groups which include song writing duo Merkley & Morgan, acoustic American roots rock band The Crooners, and the swampy blues rock trio of Digger Jones. His new album is called Momentos. He spoke with Crystal Sarakas about the record, and about his ongoing bus project.  

 

Photo: Provided

Arts

Paloma Explores Faith, Love and Poetry at the Kitchen Theatre

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Paloma and Ibrahim meet at NYU in a graduate literature course. He is devoutly Muslim, she is nominally Catholic, and their immediate attraction comes as a surprise to them both–and presents serious problems for dealing with their families. When they make an impulsive decision to visit the ancient cities in Spain where the world’s great religions once coexisted in peace, it has life-changing consequences for everyone. Crystal Sarakas talks with Rachel Lampert about the performance. The performance of Paloma at the Kitchen Theatre is the East Coast premiere of the play.  Performances are May 1-22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ZkbBsvD1g

 

Photo: Greg Cannon

Arts

Spring Writes Celebrates The Written Word – And The Writers Who Write Them

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The Spring Writes Literary Festival takes place April 28-May 1 at locations throughout Ithaca. More than 90 writers will present panels, workshops, readings, and more. The event is free and open to the public. Highlights from the weekend include:

Friday:

Reading and Workshop on Speculative Fiction, Poetry Open Mic, Literary Jeopardy

Saturday:

Beyond the Bechtel Test, Workshop: Comedy Writing, Reading: Jewish Noir

Sunday:

Discussion on Genre Publishing, Discussion on Developing Characters, Reading by Razi Rumi

 

Click here for the full schedule and festival details. 

Arts

'Haudenosaunee Culture: Sharing the River of Life' Series Returns To The Waterman Nature Center

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‘Haudenosaunee Culture: Sharing the River of Life’ is a series of presentations at the Waterman Center by speakers from the Onondaga, Mohawk and Cayuga Nations. Karen Kucharski is the project manager for the series and she joined Crystal Sarakas today to talk about the project. On Saturday, Karenlyne Hill of the Snipe Clan will talk about traditional and contemporary-style beadwork on Saturday, April 23rd at 2 p.m. Hickory Edwards of the Turtle Clan will talk about paddling and river journeys on Sunday, April 24th at 2 p.m. Both presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, visit watermancenter.org

 

Photo Credit: Karen Kucharski

 

Arts

Singer-songwriter Matt Nakoa rocks out this weekend in Norwich

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Singer-songwriter and Chenango County native Matt Nakoa and his band returns to the area this weekend for two concerts. Matt talked with Crystal Sarakas about performing with legends like Patty Larkin and Tom Rush, and embracing his rock roots for this weekend’s shows. Matt Nakoa performs Friday, April 8th in Hawley, PA, then on Saturday in Norwich, NY. Visit his website for more information.  

Arts

The Early Works Of Ansel Adams Are Highlighted In Cooperstown

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Ansel Adams’ black and white photographs captured the American West with a level of sharpness and detail that seems far advanced for his time. Now, a collection of his early works will be shown at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. Michelle Murdock, Director of Exhibitions at the Fenimore Art Museum, spoke with Crystal Sarakas about Ansel Adams and his legacy. Ansel Adams: Early Works opens April 1 at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. It will be on display until September 18.

Arts

A Retrospective Of Viggo Holm Madsen Will Be Shown At The Phelps Mansion In Binghamton

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Viggo Holm Madsen: A Life of Art: A Retrospective is the first comprehensive survey of the artist’s work shown together in one show, bringing together some 75 works, the majority made between the 1941 to 1991. The exhibition explores the critical if under-recognized place of Viggo Holm Madsen in the history of 20th-century art, and his extraordinary output across mediums that placed him at the center of international activity during the transformative decades of the 1940s through 1990s.Crystal Sarakas spoke with Kirk Madsen about his father’s work. Viggo Holm Madsen: A Life of Art: A Retrospective will be shown at The Phelps Museum, April 1 – 14, 2016 with an opening reception, Friday April 1st, 6 – 9pm. It is curated by Mr. Madsen’s widow, Lois Madsen and his son, Kirk Holm Madsen, both living in Binghamton.

Arts

Exhibition of Southwestern Pottery Comes To A Close In Corning

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On Fire! The Nancy and Alan Cameros Collection of Southwestern Pottery exhibition at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning is coming to a close. More than 100 pieces of southwestern pottery, primarily from the Pueblos, has been on display for the last two years.  Crystal Sarakas talked with Kirsty Buchanan, Curator of Collections, about the exhibit. The exhibit closes on April 1.

Arts

Singer-songwriter Dana LaCroix Performs in Binghamton, Oneonta This Weekend

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Singer-songwriter Dana LaCroix hails from Canada but now makes her home here in Southern Tier. She’s playing for the first time in Binghamton this weekend at a benefit concert for VINES, and will perform on Sunday in Oneonta. David Restivo, an award-winning pianist from Canada, will join her. She talked with Crystal Sarakas about her musical upbringing and the role music plays in supporting community. Dana LaCroix and Dave Restivo will play Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Binghamton, and on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the B-Side Ballroom and Supper Club in Oneonta.

Arts

Ntozake Shange's 'for colored girls' Weaves Together Love, Loss and Sisterhood

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‘for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,’ Ntozake Shange’s collection of choreopoems, will be performed this weekend at the Know Theatre in downtown Binghamton. Director Amoreena Wade talks with Crystal Sarakas about the joy and darkness of the work, and about the experience of bringing together six women (plus Wade) to perform this work. Performances are March 4th and 5th at 7:30 p.m. There is a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal Thursday, March 3rd at 7:30.  

Photo Credit: Connor Deacon

visual art

Art Exhibit Opens Saturday in Windsor

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The work of 48 artists will be on display in the Member Show at the Windsor Whip Works exhibit. An opening reception takes place on February 27 at 6 p.m. and the exhibition will be on display through April 2nd. Bill Pesce, co-founder of the arts center, spoke with Crystal Sarakas about the upcoming show.  

Arts

A Story of Memory, Identity and Elephants in Space

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The book Barsk: The Elephant’s Graveyard is a science fiction space opera set in a far future where humanity is gone, but their successors live on in a race of civilized, sentient animals. The novel is an exploration of memory, emotion and identity, all within the story of a Fant named Jorl and truths that are revealed after centuries of being hidden. Lawrence Schoen spoke with Crystal Sarakas about writing about these anthropomorphic characters. Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, has been nominated for the Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula awards, is a world authority on the Klingon language, operates the small press Paper Golem, and is a practicing hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His previous science fiction writings includes many light and humorous adventures of a space-faring stage hypnotist and his alien animal companion.

Arts Events

Poets and Artists Collaborate in Lyric Visions II

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Tish Pearlman, former Poet Laureate of Tompkins County, talks with Crystal Sarakas about the upcoming Lyric Visions II exhibit and poetry reading. Pearlman selected 16 poets to submit their work; then artists selected a poem and created a piece of art inspired by that poem. On Sunday, February 14, several of the poets whose work has been turned into visual art, will read and talk about the creative process. The poetry reading and dialogue takes place at 2 p.m. at the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca.  

Photo credit: “Seeking Peace” by Patty Porter; State of the Art Gallery

 

 

Music

Abbie Gardner heads out on a solo journey

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With the recently announced hiatus of the Americana group Red Molly, Abbie Gardner is heading out for a solo tour. She’ll perform for the first time at 6 on the Square in Oxford, NY, Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. She’ll be playing songs from her most recent CD, “Hope,” as well as new tunes she’s written since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQS3cTm-E-8

art exhibit

Revealed: WPA Murals on display at the Johnson Museum

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In 1935, the Federal Art Project was established. It was part of President Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration, and employed thousands of artists over the next decade to create art for public spaces in federal buildings. Four murals – by Ilya Bolotowsky, Albert Swinden, Joseph Rugolo, and Dane Chanase – were commissioned for the Hospital of Chronic Diseases on Welfare Island (later named Goldwater Memorial Hospital, Roosevelt Island). Goldwater Hospital was set to be demolished, to make way for a new building. But first, three of the murals were removed.

binghamton

Singer-songwriter Devinne Meyers talks about her music and the local music scene

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Devinne Meyers got her start on YouTube, where she posts videos that embrace a DIY approach while showcasing her incredible voice and talent. Her first album, Unrefined, was recorded in her apartment closet. She’s working on a new solo album, and working on an album with her band, East Coast Bigfoot. Devinne will be performing on Friday, January 8 at 9 p.m. at the Cyber Cafe West in Binghamton. You can also check out Devinne’s music online.

Arts

It's that most wonderful time of the year … for terror

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Horror writer Kevin Lucia talks about his latest works, the horror industry today, and about what scares him. (Hint – it’s not the monsters he writes about.) Lucia will read from his works Through A Mirror Darkly and Things Slip Through on Friday, October 30th at Barnes & Noble, Vestal, NY.

Arts

Explore the weird west with Silver on the Road

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When Isobel turns sixteen years of age, she must choose what she’s going to do with her life. For her, that choice is to become the Devil’s own hand. Gabriel is just passing through Flood, but chooses to become Isobel’s mentor on her first journey on the road. Together, they toss a coin into the crossroads and set out to discover that the powers that are gathering are not just a threat to a green rider and her teacher, but to the entire territory the Devil rules. Laura Anne Gilman talks with Crystal Sarakas about Silver on the Road, her latest novel.

Arts

Local Small Press To Publish Two New Anthologies

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The local small press, Zombies Need Brains, was founded by author Joshua Palmatier. The small press is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund its next two anthologies. In this interview, Palmatier talks about the work behind running a successful campaign, and why he’s dedicated to offering unknown authors a chance to submit their work to the anthology. https://wskg.org/audio/PALMATIERFINAL.mp3

Arts

Chenango River Theatre presents "The Velocity of Autumn"

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Actor Suzan Perry talks about her role in the comedy The Velocity of Autumn which opens this season of the Chenango River Theatre. It’s a two-person play about a son who arrives to take his elderly mother to a retirement home and finds her, not only resistant to the idea, but surrounded by Molotov cocktails, ready to blow up both of them and the house. The Velocity of Autumn runs through June 14th at the Chenango River Theatre, Greene, NY.

Arts

Ti-Ahwaga Community Players presents "The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd"

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Director Keith Nichols and the actor playing Cocky, Micah Neiss, talk about Ti-Ahwaga Community Players production of the Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd.   It’s not a standard “book” musical, but an allegory played out on a game board. The musical takes a look at the differences between the upper and lower classes of British society in the 1960s. The show is filled with songs that have become standards, including “Who Can I Turn To?,” “Feeling Good,” and “The Joker.” https://youtu.be/pulEa0cfNcw

The show runs through June 14th at the Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center, 42 Delphine St., Owego.

Arts

April 16, 2015 | World premiere by the Binghamton Philharmonic; Cider Mill Playhouse presents Stage Kiss

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Composer Loren Loiacono talks about her new cello concerto on the program of the Cornell Chamber Orchestra’s concert this weekend. Composer Behzad Ranjbaran speaks with Crystal Sarakas about his work, Esther, to be premiered by the Binghamton Philharmonic. The Cider Mill Playhouse presents Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss.  We hear from director Emily Jackson.  

 

Arts

March 12, 2015 | The Gin Game; author Deborah Blake; Romancing Spain

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Ti-Ahwaga Community Players present The Gin Game. 

Oneonta author Deborah Blake talks about the new book in her Baba Yaga series. We hear an excerpt from Romancing Spain by Lamar Herrin read by David Romm at last November’s Ithaca Out Loud event. Entertainment Editor Chris Kocher gives us a look at what is coming up this weekend.

Arts

February 26, 2015 | Homecoming Players of Ithaca; singer-songwriter Jesse Terry; Binghamton University Theater

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The Homecoming Players of Ithaca perform a prize-winning comedy from Canada. Singer-songwriter Jesse Terry performs at 6 On The Square in Oxford. Binghamton University Theater Department presents a modern take on Chekov’s The Seagull, but we can’t say the title on the air!  

 

Arts

February 19, 2015 | Cassie and Maggie MacDonald; Endicott Performing Arts Center; mezzo Julia Grella O'Connel and Pej Reitz

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SUNY-Broome professors, mezzo Julia Grella O’Connell and pianist Pej Reitz perform songs about childhood. Nova Scotia natives Cassie and Maggie MacDonald perform at 6 on the Square. EPAC’s dance group, DANCE STORIES, presents “Shapes”. Entertainment Editor Chris Kocher tells us what else is coming up this weekend.

Arts

February 5, 2015 | Gilbert & Sullivan Players; Bill Cowdery; Marc Lawrence talks about The Rewrite

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The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players bring their revue, A Little Twist, to Geneva. Bill Cowdery talks about romance and lawsuits in the early days of Cornell University set to music in the operetta Jennie’s Will. Binghamton University alumnus Marc Lawrence talks about his film The Rewrite, which has a screening at the Anderson Center this weekend, and about teaching Hugh Grant how to say “Binghamton.” https://youtu.be/WhEVfpHH9Vk

Arts

January 22, 2015 | Little Delaware Youth Ensemble; Paul Schleuse; Bag 'Bones (the Sultana musical)

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Michael Hanbridge talks about the upcoming performances by the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble that is currently celebrating 15 years of making music. Jeff Stachyra and Laura Cunningham have written a musical about the disaster of the steamboat Sultana. They speak about the history of the Sultana and about the musical, Bag O’ Bones, which is coming to the Bundy Museum. Binghamton University professor Paul Schleuse continues his remarks about his book Singing Games in Early Modern Italy which will be published in the spring.

Arts

January 15, 2015 | Jersey Boys; Theatron Productions; Haydn's Seven Last Words

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Theatron Productions presents their first performance, a cabaret of show tunes from musicals that weren’t big hits. Crystal Sarakas speaks with a cast member of the touring company of the musical Jersey Boys. Conductor Gerald Wolfe talks about the winter concert of the Ithaca Community Chorus that features Haydn’s Seven Last Words. Binghamton University professor Paul Schleuse has written a book about music from the early days of the printing press.  We hear part one of Bill Snyder’s interview with him.

Arts

January 8, 2015 | The David Wax Museum plays in Cooperstown; Robert Rogers Puppet Theatre; Connor Garvey in Oxford

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The David Wax Museum appears in Cooperstown this weekend. Robert Rogers Puppet Theatre presents Cinderella in the Wild West at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage. Singer/songwriter Connor Garvey performs at 6 On the Square in Oxford. https://youtu.be/w9zhaqp4l7k

Arts

November 13, 2014 | Anna Coogan; Tafelmusik

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Conductor Ubaldo Valli talks about the SUNY-Cortland Community Orchestra concert, “Tell Me a Story”. Ithaca-based singer-songwriter Anna Coogan introduces us to her new CD. The Canadian period instrument ensemble Tafelmusik comes to Cornell with their “Galileo Project” and we hear from the conductor, Jeanne Lamon. https://youtu.be/cuJFIA_qpPk

November 6, 2014 | The King and I; Readers' Theatre of Ithaca; Angelique Kidjo comes to Ithaca

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Lorraine Bennett and Andrea Gregori, from EPAC’s production of The King and I, talk about this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Chris Nickerson is the one man in the one-man play Wrecks by Neil LaBute coming to Cinemapolis from Readers’ Theatre of Ithaca. Chris Kocher gives us some of the highlights of this weekend, and we hear a song by Angelique Kidjo, who is performing at the State Theatre in Ithaca. https://youtu.be/gVoSpBp7DEM

 

 

October 30, 2014 | A reading by author Kevin Lucia; Young Frankenstein; author Katherine Howe

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SRO Productions presents Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein and we hear from Mickey Woyshner who plays the title role. Katherine Howe discusses her new book The Penguin Book of Witches. We learn about the Southern Tier Independence Center’s Haunted Halls of Horror from its creators. And if you want to hear something REALLY scary, author Kevin Lucia reads one of his stories.  

October 16, 2014 | Southern Tier Actors' Read; singer-songwriter Joe Crookston

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The Art Mission and Theatre presents broadcasts of theatrical performances from London. Singer/songwriter Joe Crookston turns the story of a Holocaust survivor into song. Southern Tier Actors Read presents the once-famous play “I Remember Mama” and with with it, relevant issues for today. https://youtu.be/2U5fpvEh8UI

 

Arts

October 9, 2014 | Church Basement Ladies; author Joshua Palmatier; Binghamton University Theater

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The director of Church Basement Ladies at the Carousel Playhouse talks about the play and how she grew up with these ladies. Fantasy author Joshua Palmatier talks about starting his own press. Binghamton University Theater Department takes on a British farce. We hear from the director and one of the actors. We also have a preview of the weekend’s coming performances.

Arts

September 25, 2014 | Rod Serling Video Festival winner update; Manhattan Transfer performs this weekend

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Readers’ Theatre of Ithaca is presenting Anna Ziegler’s play Photograph 51. We hear from the playwright who dramatized this historical event. Crystal Sarakas speaks with members of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier about their tour of mid-20th Century Homes. Bill Snyder speaks with two-time winner of the Rod Serling Video Festival, Zach Mulligan, who is now pursuing his studies in film-making, and Larry Kasson of the Festival tells about the First Friday event in the Forum. The Corning Civic Music Association presents Manhattan Transfer on Saturday, September 27th.

Arts

September 18, 2014 | RoberCon; Artist Lynn Capani-Czebiniak; Know Theatre performs 'Vieux Carre'; Rachel Lampert talks about the new season at Kitchen Theatre

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Today’s guests:

Jason Fiume from the Roberson Museum and Science Center talks about the upcoming RoberCon SciFi Convention, expanded this year because of last year’s unexpected success. Artist Lynn Capani-Czebiniak talks about how her art ideas spring from her dreams.

Know Theatre is taking their production of Tennessee Williams’ VIEUX CARRE to the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival.  Tim Gleason and Amanda Marsico join Crystal Sarakas to talk about their last weekend of the play in Binghamton and their upcoming trip. Rachel Lampert talks with Bill Snyder about the Kitchen Theatre’s new season.